Polar Plunge - Special Olympics Arizona€¦ · The mission of Special Olympics is to provide...

Polar Plunge

Freezin’ For A Reason

For more information

www.2016MountainAreaPlunge.kintera.org | Contact [email protected] | 928.890.9813

About Special Olympics Arizona

Vision

The vision of Special Olympics is to help bring all persons with intellectual disabilities into the larger society under condi-

tions whereby they are accepted, respected and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens. Special Olym-

pics Arizona's (SOAZ) goal is to empower the over 180,000 Arizonans with intellectual disabilities to be healthy, produc-

tive, and respected members of society through SOAZ's year-round sports training, competitions and support programs.

Mission

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-

type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physi-

cal fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their fam-

ilies, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

History

Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation, Special Olympics formed to improve

the lives of the intellectually disabled. That year, 1,000 athletes from 26 states and Canada competed in an Olympic type

competition at Soldier Field in Chicago. During a time when the individuals with intellectual disabilities were most often

confined to institutions, the organization of Special Olympics began a movement to change the world’s view about intel-

lectually disabled people. Special Olympics Arizona then formed in 1975 and has come to empower over 18,000 athletes

and partners across the state.

Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign

The Torch Run program began in 1981, when Wichita, Kansas Chief of Police Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to

raise funds for and increase awareness of Special Olympics. The idea was simple: provide local law enforcement with op-

portunities to volunteer with Special Olympics in communities where the officers lived and worked.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a series of intra-state/intra-nation runs that take place in the spring and summer in

the United States and around the world. Throughout the course of the Torch Run, participants collect contributions from

individuals and businesses, asking to help raise support for incredible Special Olympics athletes. The Torch Run is much

more than just a run; it is a year-round campaign to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Arizona. The Law En-

forcement Torch Run puts on statewide events such as tip-a-cop, cop on top of doughnut shops, golf tournaments, polar

plunges, and inmate fundraising—just to name a few!

100% of all money raised for the Law Enforcement Torch Run goes directly to support Special Olympics athletes in Arizo-

na and their supporting programs. 95% of every dollar that is given to Special Olympics Arizona goes directly back to sup-

port Special Olympics Arizona programs and athletes.

Welcome Plunger

Thank you for signing up to take the Plunge for Special Olympics Arizona! We are thrilled to welcome you to be a part of

our mission of providing year-round athletic, health and leadership programs for people with intellectual abilities.

So you’ve decided to take the Plunge! Now what? The Plunger Tool Kit will provide you with the steps you need to take to prepare for the Plunge, as well as aid you in your fundraising efforts. The kit also contains the necessary forms you will need for the Polar Plunge.

Your Plunger Toolkit includes:

Polar Plunge Information

Your donors are going to think you’re crazy for jumping

into the icy waters in the middle of winter! Show them

you’re not alone and how much the Polar Plunge has

grown.

Special Olympics Arizona Information

People want to know what their money is supporting, so be

sure to share some of these facts with your donors. Fill

them in on exactly how their donation will help.

Plunge Materials: Business Cards and Donor

Receipts

Some of your donors may want a receipt who donate cash

or write a check to your fundraising efforts. (All online do-

nations and checks will automatically receive a receipt.)

Use the business cards to remind people to donate to you.

Hand them to everyone you know!

Fundraising Tips: How to raise $150 in 7 days or $500 in 10

days

Use these day-by-day guides to help you reach your fund-

raising goal. Whether your goal is $150, $500 or more, you

can do it!

Fundraising Work Sheet

Use this form to help you keep track of your fundraising

efforts and make sure you send each of your donors a

thank you note. Consider sending picture of your Plunge

after the event or invite them to watch you take the

Plunge!

Sample Donation Request Letter

Use this language for your letter or email to your friends

and family. Tailor it to your audience, and include facts

about your own Plunge; for example, what your costume

will be or what you’re most excited or nervous about.



2016 Plunge Date2016 Plunge Date2016 Plunge Date

Saturday, January 16th

8:00AM

Check-in/Registration

9:00AM

Program & Costume Contest

9:30AM

Plunge

What is the Polar Plunge?

Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity for individuals,

organizations and businesses to support local Spe-

cial Olympics athletes by collecting pledges and

plunging into various frigid water locations across

the country.

What it takes to be a Plunger...

Anyone with a little courage, a warm heart and a de-

sire to support a worthy cause is welcome.

Each individual must raise a minimum of $25 to par-

ticipate. Each individual that reaches the minimum

donation will receive an official Polar Plunge t-shirt!

Collect pledges from family, friends and colleagues

an earn great prizes and awards .

Too Chicken to Take the Plunge?

No problem...You can still participate in the festivities!

Simply register as a “Chicken” and raise pledges just like a

regular Plunger and get the same prize incentives, but no

need to jump in the icy water!

Chickens will watch from a “chicken coop” and cheer on the

brave Polar Plungers! Now you have no excuse not to partic-

ipate!



Steps in Becoming a Successful Plunger

STEP #1

Pre-Register for the Plunge! Go to www.2016MountainAreaPlunge.kintera.org to register online. Each individual will

need to register for the Plunge, whether they create a team or register as an individual plunger. You may also register

on the day of the event at the Plunge site, but a t-shirt is not guaranteed at the time of plunge.

STEP #2

Solicit and collect pledges! Ask family, friends and co-workers to pledge you as you are “Freezin’ for a Reason”! Each

plunger will need to collect the minimum amount in pledges. For example, if the minimum is $25 and you have 5 Plung-

ers on your team, you will need a minimum of $125. You can collect pledges online or offline. Visit

www.2016MountainAreaPlunge.kintera.org to create a personal fundraising webpage and reach out to friends and po-

tential donors. Pledge Forms can also be taken. All pledges will need to be collected beforehand and brought to the

Plunge. Receipts will automatically be issued for online and check donation, if the contact name and address is provid-

ed.

STEP #3

Read and sign the Waiver and Release Form. All Plungers are required to read and sign the waiver. Participants under

18 must have a parent/guardian sign the waiver. The Waiver and Release Form can also be found online at

www.2016MountainAreaPlunge.kintera.org.

STEP #4

Bring the signed waiver, pledge form and pledges with you to the Plunge. Copies of the waiver will be available at Regis-

tration, day of. All Plungers will need to check-in at the Plunge Registration area. You will receive additional instruc-

tions and your official Polar Plunge t-shirt. Be sure to check in early as you will need time to register and prepare for the

Plunge.

STEP #5

Have FUN! Form a team and Plunge with friends, family or co-workers; create a crazy team name and crazy costumes

(within reason)!



Form a Plunge Team!

What is a Team? Teams are a group of your friends, family, classmates or co-workers who get together to raise money for the Plunge.

Team Rules:

Teams must pre-register; no teams attempting to register on the day of will be accepted. You will be considered indi-

vidual Plungers. ALL team members must be pre-registered at www.2016MountainAreaPlunge.kintera.org. Members can be added to

the team on the day of the event. Each team member must raise a minimum of $25. There will be a prize awarded to the team that raises the most money and to the individuals with the best costumes. Why a Team? Show your company’s community support, hang out with friends and family and/or receive community service cred-

its.

How do I Form a Team? Select a Team Captain, then grab your friends, neighbors and colleagues for a fun day in support of Special Olym-

pics Arizona athletes! Pick a team name and register online at www.2016MountainAreaPlunge.kintera.org by click-ing Register Now. Then others can join your team.

You can collect pledges as a team online or offline.

How Do I Join a Team? Go online to www.2016MountainAreaPlunge.kintera.org and click “Register Now” then select “Join A Team”. Con-

tinue registering once you select your team name, then you'll be ready to start getting donations!



What is a Team Captain?

A Team Captain serves as the liaison between the Plunge and the team members.

How to Be a Successful Team Captain:

Ask people you like and trust to be on your team.

Have a team kick-off to get things going.

Select a Co-Captain to help you.

Lay out team fundraisers on a calendar and discuss re-

sponsibilities.

Delegate.

Communicate.

Have regular team meetings.

Keep your team informed.

Motivate, excite and enthuse your team!

Consider developing a team theme with shirts and/or

costumes.

Challenge similar organizations to see who can raise

more pledges. Create friendly competition.

Have a team wrap up party.

Review team activities, fundraisers, etc., to find out

what worked and what can be improved.

Distribute any incentives for your team.

You can even have your own team awards!

HAVE FUN TOGETHER!

Coach and motivate your team to success.

Generate enthusiasm for the event via email, phone,

newsletters, etc.

Team Captains organize and delegate team fundraising

events.

Host fundraisers.

Special incentive prizes for Team Captains based on

their fundraising level

Stay connected with the team by:

Sending regular emails to update members on team

progress, fundraisers, etc.

Phone calls.

Meetings.

The Role of a Team Captain:

Set a fundraising goal for your team.

Provide team members with fundraising tools (provided

in this packet)

Work with the team members to set their individual

fundraising goals – ideally above the registration mini-

mum.

Team Captains





Team Fundraising Tips Spreading the Word Be a part of brining the Plunge to the next level. Help promote it by:

Posting posters/signs at work, home, school, local businesses like your salon or favorite restaurant – make sure to get permission first.

Special Olympics Arizona will provide Plunge flyers for your team to display! Don’t be afraid to cast a wider net to help reach your goals (approaching friends of friends, etc.) Ask everyone you know for a donation and remember to follow up. Stay organized and track both individual and team progress. Fundraising Ideas for your Team

Organize and hold fundraiser to bring in the donations!

Matching Gifts – check with your place of work to see if they have a matching gift program – this is an effective way to double your fundraising efforts!

Meet the Press – Contact the editor of your local paper and ask them to interview you about what your team has un-dertaken and why, and include a request for support.

Set up a Table at a “Hot Spot” – Get permission from a local health club, coffee shop or grocery store (public property might require a permit) to set-up a table inside their establishment, and then ask interested patrons who pass by to support your team.

Company Contribution – Solicit a specific donation from your organization above and beyond that raised by your team and apply the credit evenly to your team members.

Bake Sale – Hold a Friday bake sale at your work, neighborhood or church. Car Wash – Get your team together and wash cars for donations.

Don’t Forget to Promote the Plunge on Other Websites

Take advantage of free publicity by posting the Plunge information on Facebook, Twitter or other personal online

profiles. Keep friends and family updated through blogs and bulletins and get them to promote the event too!

DONATE TODAY! www.2016MountainAreaPlunge.kintera.org

Tools to Help You in Your Fundraising Efforts

The key to building a Plunge team and successful fundraising campaign both depend on asking people you know for sup-

port. Think about everyone whose lives you touch and ask them to join your team or make a donation.

Your list can be overwhelming, so use this chart to help you identify people that you know and organize them into cate-

gories. Start with the easiest people to reach - your family and friends. Next ask acquaintances and service providers.

Before you know it, you will have a complete list of people that you know!

High School / College Alum

Children’s Sports Teams

Community / Social Clubs

Family

Friends

Colleagues / Competitors

Vendors / Suppliers

Your Name Here

Religious

Child’s School

Fraternity / Sorority

Neighbors

Your Company



Polar Plunge “Ask” Cards

Please Support My Plunge

To make a donation to my fundraising efforts, visit: www.20156MountainAreaPlunge.kintera.org and click on ‘Support a Plunger’.

Thank you for helping me support the athletes of Special Olympics Arizona!

Plunger Name




Plunger Name




Plunger Name




Plunger Name




Plunger Name




Plunger Name



Special Olympics Arizona Polar Plunge Receipts

Please provide a receipt to each individual who sponsors you. Special Olympics Arizona will automatically issue an offi-

cial receipt for online donations and if contact information is provided with donation.

Special Olympics Arizona Polar Plunge Receipt Name:

Address:

Amount: $ Date:

Plunger Name:

Paid by: Cash Check

Thank you for your donation. SOAZ is a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization. Your donation is 100% tax de-ductible. Fed Tax ID 86-0307564


Address:

Amount: $ Date:

Plunger Name:

Paid by: Cash Check


Special Olympics Arizona Polar Plunge Receipt

Name:

Address:

Amount: $ Date:

Plunger Name:

Paid by: Cash Check



Address:

Amount: $ Date:

Plunger Name:

Paid by: Cash Check



Address:

Amount: $ Date:

Plunger Name:

Paid by: Cash Check



Address:

Amount: $ Date:

Plunger Name:

Paid by: Cash Check


c





Raise $150 in just 7 days!

Day 1

Send an email to three friends asking for a $10 pledge or chal-

lenge them to take the Plunge with you. $30 $30

Day 2 Send an email to three relatives asking for a $10 pledge. $30 $60

Day 3 Ask one parent and one sibling for $10 each. Your birthday and/or

favorite holiday is right around the corner! $20 $80

Day 4 Ask two neighbors for $10 each. $20 $100

Day 5 Ask five people at your favorite restaurant, coffee shop, tavern or

hangout spot for $5. $25 $125

Day 6 After cooking a nice meal, ask your significant other or best friend

for a $15 donation. $15 $140

Day 7 Add a personal contribution of $10. $10 $150

Who To Ask Total Per

Day

Grand

Total



Raise $500 in just 10 days!

Day 1 Sponsor yourself at $25. $25 $25

Day 2 Ask three family members to match your personal donation of

$25. $75 $100

Day 3 Ask your best friend to sponsor you for $25. $25 $125

Day 4

Ask your boss for a company contribution of $25, or better yet, see if they will match the entire amount you raise!

$25 $150

Day 5 Ask five local friends to sponsor you at $10. $50 $200

Day 6 Ask five out-of-town friends to sponsor you at $10 each. $50 $250

Day 7

Ask five businesses you frequent (salon, barber, restau-rant, dentist, etc.) to sponsor you for $10 each.

$50 $300

Day 8 Ask five co-workers to sponsor you at $10 each. $50 $350

Day 9 Ask five neighbors to sponsor you at $10 each. $50 $400

Day 10 Ask ten people from your church/temple/social club etc. to spon-

sor you at $10 each. $50 $500



Fundraising Pledge Form

Use this sheet as a guide to keep track of your donors. Or make things extra easy and register online! Visit www.2016MountainAreaPlunge.Kintera.org to create a personal, customizable web page and in-vite people to donate and join your team!

POLAR PLUNGE PLEDGE FORM Contributions may be paid in cash or by check payable to:

Special Olympics Arizona Phoenix Polar Plunge

Donations in any amount are appreciated! You can also make credit card donations online at

www.2016MountainAreaPlunge.Kintera.org Make copies as needed and return with Registration Form

Plunger First, Last Name:

Plunge Group Name/Company Name:

Address: City: State: Zip:

Phone: Email:

Donor Name

Address

Pledge Amount

$50 $25 $10 $5 Other Amount

TOTAL $

Polar Plunge - Special Olympics Arizona€¦ · The mission of Special Olympics is to provide...

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